Overwhelmed by Homework and Graduation Anxiety
I’ve been in school since September 2020, and as of the end of this semester (which finishes in April), I only have 75 credits.
I struggled with several courses in my first two years and didn’t think much of it at the time, but now it feels like those choices are catching up with me. I’ve never been the strongest student, but after overcoming depression, I wanted to improve myself academically. Unfortunately, this desire for change has led to an overwhelming amount of stress around my homework, and I find myself overthinking everything. While I still procrastinate, I’m genuinely trying to keep up with my assignments. The reality is that it feels like there’s just too much on my plate. I’ve had several breakdowns over this, and even when I complete my assignments on time, I still feel anxious.
Currently, I won’t be able to graduate until either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Just thinking about how much longer I’ll be in school adds to my stress. To graduate within that timeline, I need to take on heavy course loads during the summers, which means I’m sacrificing my summers just to reach my graduation goal. There are personal reasons behind my need to graduate by then that I’m not ready to share.
I realize that this situation stems from my own decisions, but the stress is becoming unbearable, and I often feel on the verge of a breakdown. I’m unsure of what to do next and honestly don’t even know what kind of advice I’m seeking.
In summary: I’m feeling extremely stressed about my prolonged time in school, the challenges of graduation, and the workload I’m facing.
First off, I want to acknowledge how tough your situation is and commend you for openly sharing your feelings. It takes a lot of courage to talk about stress and the challenges you’re facing, especially after working hard to overcome personal struggles like depression.
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when you are trying to change your academic habits and keep up with your coursework. It sounds like you’ve made significant progress in learning and improving yourself, which is something to be proud of. Remember that setbacks don’t define your future; they’re just part of your journey.
Here are a few suggestions that might help alleviate some of your stress:
Seek Support: Consider talking to a counselor or therapist at your school. They can provide you with strategies to manage stress and help you work through any feelings of being overwhelmed. Additionally, joining study groups or seeking help from classmates can make a big difference.
Break it Down: Instead of looking at your overall workload or the timeline for graduation, try breaking your tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Focus on what you need to accomplish day by day or week by week, rather than getting lost in the bigger picture.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that relax and recharge you, whether that’s exercise, meditation, hobbies, or just hanging out with friends. Taking breaks can actually help you be more productive in the long run.
Set Realistic Goals: While it’s important to have goals, it’s also crucial to be flexible with them. If taking summer courses feels like too much, maybe there’s a way to adjust your plan. Speak with an academic advisor about the best path forward; they might bring new perspectives that could ease your load.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can in a challenging situation. Acknowledge your efforts and recognize how far you’ve come, even if the path hasn’t been straightforward.
It’s perfectly okay to feel uncertain and stressed about your future, especially when it involves significant life changes. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling and reach out for help when you need it. You’re not alone in this, and things can get better with time and support. You’ve got this!